My Experience with Speech Therapy
Now more than ever, it’s important for parents to work with their children on speech development. The pandemic has slowed down speech development for many children. Therefore, I’d love to share some ideas on how to help toddlers talk I’ve learned when my child was in speech therapy.
After my personal 2020 year of cancer treatment combined with the collective pandemic, I had noticed my baby was not meeting her speech milestones. Although she wasn’t too far behind, I wasn’t happy about it.
We were fortunate to be able to participate in a speech therapy group class several times a week for 8 months. I learned many techniques on how parents can work on their children’s speech at home.
The purpose of the “parent and me” class was specifically to teach the caregiver how to work on speech communication with their child. I learned so much of how to work on a child’s speech at home.
Even if your child “doesn’t need” speech therapy, these are techniques anyone can use to improve their child’s speech development.
How to Help Toddlers Talk
- Read books-Books are so important to a child’s development. You can even just point out and name things in the pictures. It’s good to start to read books to them in the womb. Hopefully they develop a love for the written word which will last a lifetime.
- Listen and sing to music-Singing and listening to songs really helps with communication and language development. I like to play different genres of music (including different languages). But children’s music tends to take over my car and house. Fortunately, children’s songs tend to be easy to sing along with.
- Fingerplays– “Fingerplays” are songs/rhymes/words you say along with moving your fingers. Using your fingers will help engage your baby more. Examples includes: “The Etsy bitsy Spider”, “Patty Cake”, “This Little Piggy”, etc.
- Nursery Rhymes-Nursery rhymes are a good way to get your child used to the rhythm of language. Also, repeating them daily will help your child to learn them. Hopefully, they will be able to say them with you soon. Some examples of famous nursery rhymes include “Humpty Dumpty”, “Jack and Jill”, “Hickory Dickory, Dock”, etc.
Don’t Wait If Your Child Might Have a Speech Delay
I constantly keep abreast of my child’s (physical and speech) milestones. There are many websites with this information. Also, my child’s pediatrician surveys me in regard to milestones.
That was how I realized that my baby might be a bit behind in the speech department. Of course, I felt mom guilt and was concerned that I had done something to delay her.
Please talk to your doctor if you have any concerns at all about your child’s speech or any other aspect of development.
It’s best to get your child tested and in therapy ASAP if it’s needed. And if therapy isn’t needed then that is great! At least you know. And you can always do fun things to help your child work on their speech at home.
Click HERE for more information on speech milestones.
Any mom guilt I felt was definitely gone at the end of our 8 months of speech therapy. It was definitely a lot of time and effort to take her to these classes. But it was well worth it as she’s now completely caught up!
Also, it was a lot of fun for us to bond by spending time learning together in class. It was definitely a time of many memories I remembered to savor.
Socializing Helps with Speech Development
Socialization or lack thereof can impact a child’s speech development.
Children learn speech through human contact. In fact, face to face interaction is the best way to encourage your child’s imitation and attention.
Specifically, they tend to learn the most when playing with other children. Because of the social isolation we have dealt with, the need for speech therapy has been greater than normal.
Another way children learn how to talk is through watching the mouths of people when they form words. Wearing masks has not helped our children in this regard.
As the pandemic is becoming an endemic, I have been easing my daughter into classes and social situations. I feel this has helped with her speech development. (Although being with some older kids at our local “Kids Club” gym has unfortunately introduced her to some words I don’t approve of).
Help Your Child Develop Speech Through Play
At the “parent and me” speech therapy sessions, the kids worked in small groups of 2-4 kids. We used play as a method to teach our children speech. Play is an important skill. And it offers a chance to not only talk to others but also helps with problem solving and creativity.
The class had a set routine which the kids picked up on after a few sessions.
Each class started with songs (including a “hello” greeting song) and dancing. There was a middle part which consisted of an activity such as blocks, sorters, drawing, puzzles, etc. Then the ending to each class consisted of a “good bye song” and bubbles.
The consistency of a set routine helps your child know what to expect and thus makes learning easier.
Tips and Tools To Help Develop a Child’s Speech
You will see a lot of ideas of what is done in speech therapy If you have ever seen the Youtube show Miss Rachel, However, it’s always best to do these activities in person either with a licensed speech pathologist, a caretaker, or yourself!
You will notice Ms. Rachel focuses on her mouth often when she speaks. She also has the child repeat after her (even though she can’t hear them through the screen).
That’s why it’s helpful for you to learn from her but not rely solely on her. TV/video media can be a valid means to education but it is a very passive form of learning.
Remember to talk slow and use simple language. Have your child repeat after you. And please don’t forget how important it is to praise your kid’s efforts.
Other Ways to Incorporate Speech Therapy Activities
You will discover there are so many opportunities to teach and learn when you play with the mindset to teach them words.
For example if you’re playing with blocks, you can say talk about the colors and shapes of the block. You can name the object you are building such as “home” or “dentist office”. You can also talk about directions such as “under” or “over”.
Giving your child a choice is an important tool for communication. (Although it’s good to not have too many choices). But choice also helps your child to have some control over their situation.
Also, let your child lead your play sessions. Notice where they want to go or what they want to do. Observe and read your child’s cues such as their individual likes and wants. This can help guide your “play sessions” to keep them interested and engaged.
I really encourage parents to work with their children on their speech. It was really worth it to me to work so hard with my daughter. She’s now saying just the “darndest things” and I’m so proud of how much she’s grown. Rea
All of the stages of life really do go by fast. It’s hard nowadays to remember the times when my baby was just a gurgling infant. That’s why I want to remind you to always Remember 2 Savor.
